Lesson Summary:

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to define the First Amendment and identify First Amendment principles within current events . By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to think critically about how the First Amendment may apply to the learners’ lives .

Learning Plan Contexts:

Standards:

Standards National What are the nature and purposes of constitutions? What are the rights of citizens? California Understand the changing interpretations of the Bill of Rights over time, including interpretations of the basic freedoms (religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly) articulated in the First Amendment . ISTE Common Core

Learning Theory Applications:

Learning Theory Applications Socio-cultural Theory Facilitate classroom and group discussions Presenting students with challenging tasks Social Cognitive Theory Students will observe and listen to each other through classroom and group discussions

New Media Literacy Skills:

Motivation Activity:

Motivation Activity Pamphlets for students Students will read individual pamphlets Teacher will ask for student reactions Teacher will debrief activity with students

Motivation Activity Examples:

Motivation Activity Examples Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such thing as Wisdom; and no such thing as public Liberty, without Freedom of Speech. ~ Benjamin Franklin If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter . ~ George Washington

Input Activity:

Input Activity Constitution is introduced First Amendment is defined Learners are asked to offer existing knowledge Questions posed What is the U.S. Constitution? What does the First Amendment state?

Output Activity:

Output Activity Case studies Students work in groups Classroom discussion Questions posed: What is the case study about? What is the controversial issue? What element of the First Amendment is being addressed? Is the controversial issue protected by the First Amendment? Why or why not?

Culmination:

Extension:

Extension Homework assignment Find an article Write a summary Explain the controversial issue Explain element of the First Amendment it relates to Offer opinion whether the First Amendment protects the issue or not

Assessment Method:

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths Little lecture Ample student participation & collaboration Bridge between theory and practice Use of media Weaknesses Less structured Dependant on student participation Students are dependant on each other to learn